Tides scorekeeper stays true to game

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - As official scorekeeper for the Norfolk Tides, Mike Holtzclaw gets paid to call close plays which could affect a player's livelihood.

"One of my philosophies in life is that if someone offers you money to watch a baseball game, you always say yes," Holtzclaw said.

Holtzclaw is employed by the International League.

"Baseball is a game of statistics and the official scorer is the guy who says whether its a hit, an error or weather its an earned run or unearned," Holtzclaw said.

Holtzclaw doesn't take his position lightly.

"The official scorekeeper is a lot like an umpire," Holtzclaw said.

Whatever his call ends up being, players are required to respect it. The rule book says that the official scorer is a representative that deserves the respect and dignity of his office.

"If I make a call, they disagree, then I will get some dirty looks from the dugout," Holtzclaw said. "Usually I know when to look down to the dugout and yeah, I will get the death stare."

Only managers can dispute a call. On close plays, Holzclaw will review the play with instant replay. He wants nothing more than to get it right.

"I made a call several years ago in the 7th inning that broke up a no-hitter and it was the first time I was booed by 5,000 people," Holtzclaw said. "But I made the right call."